Rocker device for  infant seat

ABSTRACT

An automobile infant seat rocker device includes: (a) a rocker device main housing; (b) a rocker drive mechanism for creation of reciprocal motion of at least one push arm, the rocker drive mechanism being located in the main housing; (c) at least one push arm connected to the rocker drive mechanism and extending outwardly from the main housing for contact with a floor area so as to reciprocally push main housing in a reciprocal motion; (d) a power source for powering the rocker drive mechanism; and, (e) removable connection mechanism for removably connecting the main housing to a lower portion of an infant seat. When the rocker device is removably connected to the base or side of an infant seat and the rocker drive mechanism is powered by the power means, reciprocal movement of the al least one push arm reciprocally moves the main housing and rocks the infant seat.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation in part of copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/069,898 filed on Feb. 13, 2008 by the sameinventor herein and entitled “Infant Seat Rocker Device”.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to a device for automatically rocking aninfant seat when it is resting on a flat surface. The device ishand-held, portable and is attached to the infant seat for stability,yet is easily removable therefrom, i.e., the attachment mechanisms areremovably attachable attachment mechanisms.

b. Description of Related Art

The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to thepresent invention:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,177 B 1 to Drevitson describes a rocking machinewhich automatically imparts a continuous, rocking motion to an occupantrecumbent on a hammock. One end of the rocking machine is attached to afixed location. The other end of the rocking machine is attached to aconventional hammock, which is attached to a second fixed location. Therocking machine has a container that houses a periodically reversinggeared motor. Operation of the motor is controlled by an electricalcircuit having a shaft attached to one end of the torsional spring. Theother end of the torsional spring is connected to the hammock. Apressure sensitive switch becomes actuated and moves to a closedposition, enabling supply of power to the geared motor that initiates acontinuous rocking motion, when the hammock becomes occupied. Theelectrical circuit provides periodically reversing oscillations whilemonitoring current to the motor, and decreases the period betweenoscillations until it matches the natural period of oscillation of thespring-occupant weight system. Motor current is thereby maintained at adecreased value, increasing the efficiency of energy transfer from themotor to rocking motion for said hammock.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,205 B1 to Bowman describes an improved baby carrierdevice which has all integral swinging mechanism capable of providing apendulum-like rocking action thereto. In addition to other known usessuch as a containment mechanism for infants or as a receptacle formounting within a baby carriage, or car seat, the present inventionenhances the utility of a conventional baby carrier system via theincorporation of an integral baby swing, thereby abating the need forother extraneous mechanisms or other related swing drive devices. Thecarrier device has a pair of leg assemblies which are incorporated intothe handle assembly thereof and are selectively adjustable by a userfrom an extended position wherein said carrier shell is suspended abovea support surface in a stable manner, to a retracted position whereinthe leg assemblies are confined within the housing of the handleassembly. Self-propelled actuation means are also described whichdrivingly couples the rotational force of a motor drive means to thereciprocal pendulum-like action of the swing assembly.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,057 B2 to Sedlack describes an infant car seat whichincludes a car seat, a car seat base, and a mechanism for connecting theseat to the base. With the car seat base secured to a vehicle seat, thecar seat can be conveniently connected to the base to safely transportan infant. The connection and release mechanisms between the car seatand the base are durable and easy to operate.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,696 B2 to Bargery et al. describes a transporterwhich can be used as an infant seat or carrier, which has a body shellwith a curved lower surface for use as a rocker and wheels which can beextended for use as a stroller. The wheels are carried on legs which canbe retracted into opposed side cheeks by means of respective drivebells. A handle is secured to inner members to slide within tubular armswhich are pivotally secured to the side cheeks. The inner members areconnected by pivotal links to the respective drive belts so thatextending or retracting the handle rotates the belts to extend orretract the wheels. Release mechanisms at opposite ends of the handlelock the arms in the retracted position so that the handle can be usedto carry the transporter with the wheels retracted. A release handleoperates spring-loaded pins to lock the arms in the carrying or pushingpositions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,698 to Asenstorfer et al. describes a device forgenerating a rocking motion in child recliners and the like whichincludes a lift drive with a coupling element, wherein the couplingelement of the lift drive can be brought directly into engagement withthe recliner in a detachable manner without intermediate elements andassembly operations.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,164 to Proulx describes a base unit for supportingan infant carrier seat which is comprised of a housing member which hasa bottom curved surface for rocking on a generally flat support surface,an upper central portion on which an infant carrier seat is removablymountable, an endless pathway that circumscribes said central portion, aweight and a motor to move along the weight in a closed loop at aselected predetermined rate of travel. The weight in the preferred formis a toy train unit with open topped box cars that removably hold asupply of weights. A sound generator on the train provides music and/ortrain whistle simulation. An infant can be entertained by the traintraveling around the infant, by sounds generated by the train, and theinfant is rocked, all at the same time. The motion of the traintraveling around the infant can be used to check responses of the infantas can also the movement of sound relative to the infant.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,949 to Jantz describes an improved infant carrierseat rocker which is provided for a typical molded plastic type infantcarrier seat embodying a rounded bottom to facilitate a fore and aftrocking motion. This type of seat is currently in production. The rockeris comprised of a housing from which a lifting member protrudes. A powerunit is mounted within the housing. This power unit provides rotationalenergy. A drive means consisting of an eccentric mounted to the outputof the drive unit and slidably connected to the lifting member toconvert rotational energy to vertically reciprocating motion is employedto impart the vertical motion to the lifting member. The lifting memberin turn imparts this motion to a suitable feature of the carrier seat,typically the lower edge of the seat, and the seat then rocks as thelifting member oscillates vertically.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,499 to Meeker describes an improved rocker for aninfant seat which comprises in combination a base having upstandinglateral side walls defining an opening therebetween; an intermediateplatform positioned within the opening and having an upper regionadapted to receive an infant seat thereon; a pair of generally U′-shapedlinks each having upper portions supported by side walls, each having alower horizontal portion adapted to receive a lower region of theplatform thereon, and each having intermediate vertical portionscoupling the upper and lower portions; drive means coupling the platformand the base for inducing a rocking motion to the platform; adjustmentmeans to longitudinally vary the center of the oscillation of therocking platform; and locking means to lock the platform with respect tothe base.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,680 to Wilson describes a device in which a baby isoscillated to sleep by placing it in a carrier and pivoting the carrierin oscillation about a horizontal axis adjacent to the foot end of thecarrier by means of a rotating earn which provides a specialpredetermined motion that is effective to induce the baby to sleep. Thecarrier is removably mounted on a carrier support which is pivoted to anunderlying base for oscillation about the aforementioned axis to impartsimilar motion to the carrier. The cam and its drive means is mounted onthe base and enclosed together with the base by the carrier support. Inthe preferred embodiment, wheels are mounted to the base to allow theapparatus to be moved back and forth over a ground surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,946 to Cone describes a rocking infant seat whichhas an adjustable at-rest position which includes a seat having anarcuate lower support surface resting on a planar base, a slot in theseat, and a bolt extending through the slot to secure the seat to thebase.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,206 to Johnson, Jr. describes a rockable infantseat/cradle which includes a rotatably positionable handle secured tothe opposed side walls of an integrally molded infant supporting shell.The shell comprises a curved underbelly, oppositely disposed side wallsextending transverse to the underbelly, and apertured rocker panel wallsintegral with and spaced outwardly of the side walls. A mechanism,secured to opposed, distal ends of the handle, extends through theapertures in each rocker panel and is adapted to normally lock thehandle in anyone of the plurality of positions. The handle lockingmechanism includes a gear having a plurality of axially extending teeth,a gear retaining ring having a plurality of apertures through which thegear teeth normally extend, and a coil spring which normally biases thegear teeth into a gear ring aperture-engaging condition. The mechanismis responsive to selective axial pressure to space the gear teethaxially of the gem ring apertures so that the handle may be rotated toanyone of the plurality of positions.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,343 to Kinslow, Jr. describes a rocker which isprovided for an infant seat of the type embodying an elongated inclinedfloor on which the infant is reclined, and embodying side walls and anend wall at the lower end of the floor with a framework beneath thefloor holding the floor inclined upwardly away from the end wall. Therocker has an elongated main platform. A motor is mounted on theplatform and has a shaft extending transversely over the platform. Ahollow cover having side walls and end walls and a top encloses themotor and overlies the platform. Pivot means on the platform within thecover mounts the cover for rocking movement over the platform; Liftingarm means beneath the cover near the other end thereof is carried bybell crank means fixed on the shaft. The cover has an exterior seatsupport on its end most remote from the cover pivot means which supportis operable to engage and lift the framework and thereby rock the seatupward as the cover is raised by the lifting arm means.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,080 to Asenstorfer et al. describes a seat adaptedfor use by an infant which is automatically rocked back and forth by asuitable linkage mechanism connected by a reducing gear means to amotor.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 411,763 to Asenstorfer et al. describes a rockerdrive for child recliners.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taughtnor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is an automobile infant seat rocker device. Itincludes: (a) a rocker device main housing; (b) a rocker drive mechanismfor creation of reciprocal motion of at least one push arm, said rockerdrive mechanism being located in said main housing; (c) at least onepush arm connected to said rocker drive mechanism and extendingoutwardly from said main housing for contact with a floor area so as toreciprocally push main housing in a reciprocal motion; (d) power meansfor powering said rocker drive mechanism; and, (e) removable connectionmeans for removably connecting said main housing to a lower portion ofan infant seat. When said rocker device is removably connected to thebase or side of an infant seat and said rocker drive mechanism ispowered by said power means, reciprocal movement of said at least onepush arm reciprocally moves said main housing and rocks said in infantseat.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention automobile infantseat rocker device, said removable attachment means is selected from thegroup consisting of a quick release latch, a quick release lock, a hookand loop set of complementary strips, a snap-in mechanism and a clamp.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention automobile infantseat rocker, the power means is a portable power means selected from thegroup consisting of a solar power pack, a battery, a fuel cell andcombinations thereof.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention automobile infantseat rocker, the rocker drive mechanism includes a motor with aneccentric connection to said at least one push arm.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention automobile infantseat rocker, the device further includes a holding case, said holdingcase adapted to receive and hold said main housing and having means forattachment to a wall of an infant seat.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention automobile infantseat rocker, the removable attachment means is selected from the groupconsisting of a bolt and wing nut and a magnetic bolt.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention automobile infantseat rocker, the main housing is a plastic main housing.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention automobile infantseat rocker, the at least one push arm is at least one push rod. In somepreferred embodiments of the present invention automobile infant seatrocker, the at least one push arm is two push rods.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention automobile infantseat rocker, the at least one push arm, especially at least one pushrod, includes a bottom with a suction cup thereon.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may beset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention and together with the detail description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic presentation view of preferred embodiments ofpresent invention hand-held, portable infant rocker devices with a campush arm;

FIG. 2 shows a side cut view of a present invention device with the campush rods in an extended position to cause an infant seat to which itmight be attached to rock;

FIG. 3 is a side cut view of the preferred embodiment of a hand-held,portable infant rocker device with push rods shown in FIG. 2, but in itsleast extended position;

FIG. 4 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of ahand-held, portable infant rocker device with a single push rod as thepush arm;

FIG. 5 is a partial side cut view of another preferred embodiment of ahand-held, portable infant rocker device with suction cups on the pushrods;

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a present invention device wherein thepush arm is a push bar;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat with a presentinvention device attached to its side and showing a separately attachedcarrying case;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat with a presentinvention device attached to its front and showing a separately attachedcarrying case; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat with a presentinvention device attached to its back and showing a separately attachedcarrying case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic presentation view of preferred embodiments ofpresent invention hand-held, portable infant rocker devices with a campush arm. The device 1 has a baby seat rocker attachment, with a mainhousing 3 with a motor, such as a battery-operated motor. The motorcreates reciprocal motion 5 to cause push arm 7 to reciprocate, so thatwhen it is attached to a baby seat or rocker, the device 1 rocks it in areciprocal motion. Push arm options 9 include push rod, push bar.suction cups, retraction and folding. Thus, the push arm(s) may fold inso that they are not exposed when the present invention device isstored. Alternatively, the push arm(s) may be fully retractable forstorage, e.g., like a retractable writing pen or any other knowretraction mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a side cut view of a preferred embodiment of a hand-held,portable infant rocker device 300 utilizing two push rods as the pusharms. It includes a plastic main housing 301, with openings 303 and 309for push rods 325 and 327, at its bottom, as shown. The openings 303 and309 and their upwardly extending collars, allow the push rods 325 and327 to extend and retract or otherwise to create reciprocal movement ofmain housing 301 (and any infant seat to which it may be attached). Ithas an on/off switch 305 connected to a power source, here, fuel cell311, and it is connected to control the power to DC motor 307. When on,motor 307 drives shaft 319 which drives round plate 317 with aneccentrically positioned peg 323. Peg 323 is movably nested is receiver321. As the plate 317 slowly runs its full circle, it pushes down onreceiver 321 then lifts it up, causing reciprocal motion of rods 325 and327 and device 300 relative to the floor 320, creating the rockingcycle. When attached to an infant seat by its attachment means, e. g.,by hook and loop (Velcro®) attachment 313 to the bottom of an infantseat, or by magnetic strip 335 to the front or back of an infant seat orotherwise attached, such as is shown in the FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 below, itwill rock the infant seat when it is turned on.

FIG. 3 is a side cut view of the preferred embodiment of a hand-held,portable infant rocker device 300 with push rods 325 and 327 shown inFIG. 2, but in its least extended position. Identical components asshown in FIG. 2 above are identically numbered in this Figure. This FIG.3 therefore shows the top of the 360 degree cycle of the receiver 321with push rods least extended, representing a bottom position of arocker to which it may be attached.

FIG. 4 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of ahand-held, portable infant rocker device 308 with a single push rod asthe push arm. In this Figure, all of the components that are identicalto those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 above are identically numbered. However,in this case, the main housing has a single opening 303, with a singlepush arm extending there through, in this case, a push rod 425.

FIG. 5 is a partial side cut view of another preferred embodiment of ahand-held, portable infant rocker device 400 with suction cups 431 and433, respectively, located at the bottoms of push rods 421 and 423.These suctions cups 431 and 433 may be optionally utilized to secure thedevice 400 to a flat surface such a table top or hardwood floor or tilefloor. This prevents possible creeping.

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a present invention device 450 whereinthe push arm 451 is a push bar 453. This may add to stabilization overone or two push rods and represents a viable alternative for a presentinvention push arm.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat 530 with a presentinvention device 500 attached to infant seat side 531 and showing aseparately attached carrying case 540, attached with hook and loop(Velcro® for example) male connector 535 and female connector 545.Infant seat 530 may be any commercially available infant seat, includingstand-alones and those with nesting bases. While present inventionrocker device 500 is shown attached near the front of infant seat 530 onits side 531, it could be attached on any portion of infant seat 530that would permit rocking. When infant seat rocker device 500 isactivated, its push rod 501 will reciprocate against floor 520, therebycausing the rocking of infant seat 530. In many instances, the infantseats are strapped into an automobile seat such that if the presentinvention infant seat rocker device were left in place it wouldinterfere with proper connection to the automobile seat, therefore acritical feature of the present invention rocker device 500 is itsremovability from the infant seat. It is easily attached and easilyremoved by any quick-attach, quick-release fastener, including all ofthose described above. With respect to FIG. 7, device 500 may easily beremoved and carried in a shirt pocket, a purse, a pocketbook, a diaperbag, or any other tote bag. Alternatively, device 500 may be stored incarrying case device 540. Carrying case flap 541 easily lifts up, device500 is inserted, and flap 541 sealed.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat 530 with a presentinvention device 600 attached to its front and showing a separatelyattached carrying case 540. The infant seat 530 and the carrying case540 as well as floor 520 are the same as shown in FIG. 7 and detailreference numerals described above are repeated for this Figure and neednot be redescribed. In this Figure, present invention device 600 and itspush rod 601 are attached to the front 537 of infant seat 530.Attachment means 603 is a clip that may either snap fit or slide intoreceiver 539.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat 530 with a presentinvention device 700 attached to its back and showing a separatelyattached carrying case 540. The infant seat 530 and the carrying case540 as well as floor 520 are the same as shown in FIG. 7 and detailreference numerals described above are repeated for this Figure and neednot be redescribed. In this embodiment, present invention infant seatrocker device 700 with push rod 701 and attachment means 703 isconnected to back 533 of infant seat 530.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described indetail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to those particularembodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effectedtherein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example,in addition to the embodiments described above, the present inventiondevice may include one or more sound features. These sound featurescould be digital music players similar to MP-3s, radio receivers,including satellite radio, or other music playing or musicrecording/playback components. They could be connected to the same powersource in the rocker device that powers the drive mechanism or they mayhave their own power supply. The sound features may preferably bepositioned within the main housing of the rocker device and may beconnected so as to automatically be turned on and off when the drivemechanism is turned on and off. Alternatively, they may have independenton/off controls. They would also have volume controls, and, in the caseof radios, have station selection controls. Additionally, in some moresophisticated versions, backtrack, rewind and/or selection capabilitiescould be included. These sound features could include pre-recordedsingle songs such as a lullaby, could have a selection of selected orcustomized music, or could even include the recording of a parentsinging or talking to the child.

1. An automobile infant seat rocker device, which comprises: (a) arocker device main housing; (b) a rocker drive mechanism for creation ofreciprocal motion of at least one push arm, said rocker drive mechanismbeing located in said main housing; (c) at least one push arm connectedto said rocker drive mechanism and extending outwardly from said mainhousing for contact with a floor area so as to reciprocally push mainhousing in a reciprocal motion; (d) power means for powering said rockerdrive mechanism; and, (e) removable connection means for removablyconnecting said main housing to a lower portion of an infant seat;wherein, when said rocker device is removably connected to the base orside of an infant seat and said rocker drive mechanism is powered bysaid power means, reciprocal movement of said at least one push armreciprocally moves said main housing and rocks said infant seat.
 2. Theautomobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said removableattachment means is selected from the group consisting of a quickrelease latch, a quick release lock, a hook and loop set ofcomplementary strips, a snap-in mechanism and a clamp.
 3. The automobileinfant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said power means is aportable power means selected from the group consisting of a solar powerpack, a battery, a fuel cell and combinations thereof.
 4. The automobileinfant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said rocker drive mechanismincludes a motor with an eccentric connection to said at least one pusharm.
 5. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein saiddevice further includes a holding case, said holding case adapted toreceive and hold said main housing and having means for attachment to awall of an infant seat.
 6. The automobile infant seat rocker device ofclaim 1 wherein said removable attachment means is selected from thegroup consisting of a bolt and wing nut and a magnetic bolt.
 7. Theautomobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said mainhousing is a plastic main housing.
 8. The automobile infant seat rockerdevice of claim 1 wherein said at least one push arm is at least onepush rod.
 9. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one push arm is two push rods.
 10. The automobile infantseat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said at least one push armincludes a bottom with a suction cup thereon.
 11. The automobile infantseat rocker device of claim 8 wherein said at least one push rodincludes a bottom with a suction cup thereon.
 12. The automobile infantseat rocker device of claim 9 wherein each of said two push rodsincludes a bottom with a suction cup thereon.
 13. The automobile infantseat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said at least one push armincludes a push arm storage means selected from the group consisting ofa folding mechanism and a retraction mechanism.
 14. The automobileinfant seat rocker device of claim 8 wherein said at least one push rodincludes a push rod storage means selected from the group consisting ofa folding mechanism and a retraction mechanism.
 15. The automobileinfant seat rocker device of claim 9 wherein each of said two push rodsincludes a push rod storage means selected from the group consisting ofa folding mechanism and a retraction mechanism.